Wound Treatment

For the vast majority of wounds, healing follows a relatively brief, simple, and short course, but some chronic wounds are exceptions to the rule. Nearly 6.5 million Americans have non-healing wounds because of diabetes, pressure ulcers, circulatory problems, or other injuries. Unlike normal wounds that your body can heal, chronic or traumatic open wounds show no significant signs of healing over a period of several weeks. If you have a wound that is not healing, St. Vincent can help you.

Our philosophy at St. Vincent is to treat wounds as early and as efficiently as possible to minimize costs and complications and to optimize outcomes. Our team of wound specialists is trained to manage all types of wounds and treatments necessary to achieve exceptional outcomes for chronic wound patients. We encourage early referrals to ensure the best possible results, especially for diabetic or elderly individuals.

St. Vincent has specially trained physicians and support staff available to address problem wounds. Patients can expect to receive the most advanced treatment options with individualized care plans to ensure a complete and safe recovery. Evidence-based treatments are implemented and patients receive ongoing support and specialized treatment until their wound is completely healed.

Services

Wound Healing Center Indianapolis

Nearly 6.5 million Americans have non-healing wounds because of diabetes, pressure ulcers, circulatory problems, or other injuries. Unlike normal wounds that your body can heal, chronic or traumatic open wounds show no significant signs of healing over a period of several weeks. If you have a wound that isn't healing, the
St. Vincent Wound Healing Center can help you.

Our philosophy at the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center is to treat wounds as early and as efficiently as possible to minimize costs and complications and optimize outcomes. Our team of wound specialists is trained to manage all types of wounds and treatment necessary to achieve exceptional outcomes for chronic wound patients.

We encourage early referrals to ensure the best possible results, especially for diabetic or elderly individuals. To refer a patient to the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center, call 317-338-9000 or fax the patient referral form to 317-338-9087.

We are also available for questions or phone consultations. Insurance generally covers the cost of most wound treatments. Medicaid and Medicare approved.

Wound Healing Center Kokomo

St. Vincent Kokomo Wound Healing Center has an expert team of specially trained physicians and support staff available to address your problem wounds. Their approach to wound care, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, is specifically tailored to each individual patient.

At the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center, each patient is evaluated to find any medical conditions that might block the natural healing process. Our wound care providers will coordinate your treatment plan with your primary care physician and specialists, understanding that wounds often require complex and long-term treatment. Results and updates will be given directly to your physician, home health agency, nursing facility, or extended care center.

In addition to treatment for your non-healing wound, the St. Vincent healthcare educators will also provide recommendations on how to care for your wound at home, as well as information on nutrition, physical therapy aids, and diabetes management to help aid the healing process and prevent future wounds.

We utilize the newest clinical tools in wound healing along with traditional practices to treat your specific condition which include:

We understand the factors that may be delaying or preventing the healing of your wounds. With this in mind, the wound care team performs a complete history and physical exam, which allows them to develop an individualized treatment plan unique to each patient’s needs. You will be thoroughly educated about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy before beginning treatment and your family will be involved in the treatment process.

Your referring physician will be kept informed of your progress with regular reports and photos of your wounds. Once your therapy is complete your care will be returned to your referring physician for long-term follow-up and monitoring.

Your treatment plan may include:

Laboratory studies

X-rays

Vascular studies

Surgical debridement to remove infected tissue and bone

Antibiotic therapy

Application of specialty dressings or ointments

Use of crutches, wheelchairs or other off-loading techniques

Nutritional supplements or counseling

Physical Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO)

For your initial appointment, you should plan on being with us for 1 ½ to 2 hours.

When you call to make your initial appointment with the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center, our friendly administrative staff will ask you a few questions about your wound and general health.

Before any treatment begins, you will have a thorough evaluation of your wound and overall medical history by our team. You may also have tests performed to determine blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues.

Your treatment program will be developed based on your unique needs and will involve regular visits to the Wound Healing Center. At each visit your wound is assessed, measured, and photographed so that we can document your progress and adjust the treatment plan, if necessary.

Much of your success will depend on you. Our experts will provide education and detailed instructions on how to care for your wound at home between visits. We count on you to follow these directions and to watch your progress so that if your wound worsens, we can intervene. Our staff will communicate as necessary with your primary care provider and/or specialists. Once your wound is healed, a discharge summary of your healed wound will be provided to him/her.

What you should bring to your first appointment:

Insurance Cards *

Medication and/or Supplement List

Medical Records Including X-Rays, If Appropriate

* Most treatments are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans. Your coverage depends on your specific plan and our dedicated staff will be happy to assist you in verifying coverage and obtaining prior authorization before your appointment.

Please Note: If you notice signs of infection, increased temperature, odor, increased drainage, increased pain, coolness or heat at the site of the wound, seek medical attention immediately.

Over the past year, we have successfully healed over 2,000 chronic, non-healing wounds with 89% of those being healed in less than 60 days. Some of the chronic wounds treated at the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center include:

Diabetic or Neuropathic Ulcers – 15% of diabetic patients develop foot ulcers every year. It is essential that these patients receive appropriate care early to reduce the risk of amputation and preventing recurrent ulceration.

Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores) – This type of wound develops when skin is squeezed between a bone and an external surface, such as a bed or wheelchair. They are most likely to occur at the tailbone, heels, elbows, shoulder blades, knees, ankles, spine, or the back of the head. Pressure ulcers are most common in people who have difficulty walking and for those who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound.

Vascular Ulcers – Caused by poor circulation, this type of chronic wound occurs in the lower legs between the ankles and the knees, as well as the feet. They develop when blood pools in the legs because of damaged valves in the veins. The legs may swell, feel hardened, or become discolored. These wounds are usually very painful and require immediate treatment to determine if it is possible to save the limb.

Arterial Ulcers – These wounds occur as a result of sustained venous hypertension, caused by venous insufficiency. They can occur anywhere, but are frequently seen on the top of the foot and front of the leg. These wounds are cool to the touch and are very painful and the skin looks shiny, thin, and dry. Loss of hair on the legs and toes also occurs.

If any of these types of wound appear, notify your physician or contact St. Vincent Wound Healing Center at 317-338-9000.

We treat a variety of types of wounds, including:

Diabetic wounds of the lower extremity

Wounds that have not healed in several weeks

Post-radiation tissue injury

Diabetes-related foot and ankle ulcers

Crush injuries

Venous Stasis or arterial insufficiency ulcers

Wounds caused by poor circulation or trauma

Compromised grafts and flaps

Gangrene

Pressure Ulcers

Necrotizing soft tissue infections

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is an essentially painless treatment in which the patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The treatment quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen into the bloodstream which assists in the healing process of wounds and is effective in fighting certain types of infections. HBO also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves circulation.

Treatments are typically administered daily, with sessions lasting about 90 minutes. The number of treatments patients receive will depend on their individual diagnosis. In the past year, the St. Vincent Wound Healing Center has administered over 1,000 Hyperbaric Oxygen treatments.

While in the chamber, the patient is in constant communication with the Hyperbaric Technician through an intercom and private handset. They are also given the opportunity to listen to music or watch movies to help pass the time.

St. Vincent Wound Healing Center’s hyperbaric services are supervised by Dr. V. Chowdry Pinnamaneni. Dr. Chowdry is one of four physicians in Indiana that is board certified in HBO.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can be used for:

Diabetic Ulcers

Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis

Soft Tissue Radionecrosis and Osteoradionecrosis

Radiation Induced Cystitis

Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps

Atherosclerosis

Gas Gangrene

Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Overview

Our advanced wound care clinic features a full service, multidisciplinary approach utilizing the expertise of podiatry, vascular surgery, wound care specialists and other healthcare providers. Focusing on a total approach to treatment and care, our comprehensive wound care program involves your primary care physician and other specialists.